Why I Want a Portable VHS Video Case, from Museum of Lost Interactions

It’s really a pity The Video Case is a tongue-in-cheek design project from the Museum of Lost Interactions and not a real product. Yes, I know, we’re supposed to laugh at how this not-actually-from-1979 design is so primitive compared to our fancy-schmancy video iPods. But consider the design achievements here:

The rigid suitcase protects from shock, and conveys the sense of substantial equipment and physical attachment.

The large form factor means a screen that’s actually watchable, and could be shared with others.

Settings like brightness and contrast have dedicated controls rather than being hidden in menus.

Real knobs provide tangible feedback.

Onboard analog output ideal for visualists and live mixing.

Tapes create a physical connection to ephemeral media as an object.

No DRM.

He’s got Star Wars.

He probably taped it off of TV instead of tithing Apple.

It’s the original, not that crazy Special Edition where all sorts of random details are changed arbitrarily. What if film preservation centers started doing that? “Hi, we’ve restored this 1907 film to a vividness never seen since its release. Um, except 3:04 – 4:17. We thought that was stupid, so we re-shot it with Legos.”

Dude. It’s a video case. VHS playback in a briefcase. Anyone got a briefcase they’re not using so we can build this thing? We already know portable VHS makes you super-happy so you do jazz dance at sunset on the beach.

Thank you!

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